There are a few ways it has been done before:<\/p>\n
do you summarize an entire year of logo designing in a single, short, end-of-the-year post?<\/p>\n
- \n
- Write about graphic design trends<\/a> \u2026<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Talk about the best graphic designers of the year<\/a><\/strong> \u2026<\/li>\n
- Explore what 2022 could bring for the global graphic design market<\/a>.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
But we wanted something different. Definitely not another trends post, for sure.<\/p>\n
So we settled on three key areas to focus on:<\/p>\n
\n![\"Logo](\"https:\/\/www.designmantic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/1.png\" "\\"Logo")
<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n![\"Graphic](\"https:\/\/www.designmantic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/2.png\" "\\"Graphic")
<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n![\"Learning](\"https:\/\/www.designmantic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/3.png\" "\\"Learning")
<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\nThese three areas cover graphic design quite comprehensively, from theory and learning to programs and projects.<\/p>\n
So let\u2019s see what everything has been about.<\/p>\n
Logo Revamps – New Logos, New Brands<\/h2>\n
There was something about 2021 that made all the brands quite excited to try new identities.<\/p>\n
Pfizer unveiled its new logo along with a brand shift earlier in January 2021; so did General Motors. Then Kia followed suit, and Facebook (the company) concluded the trend by restyling itself as Meta \u2013 the social technology company \u2013 in late October.<\/p>\n
What do all these rebrands signify, and are there any lessons to be learned here?<\/p>\n
1. Pfizer Drops the Pill<\/h3>\n
When should a company rebrand its logo?<\/p>\n
Most experts agree that a logo change must signify something. An elemental shift; a core change in brand ideology.<\/p>\n
Early in January this year, Pfizer unveiled its brand new spiral logo. The company marketed the move as \u2018unlocking the pill form<\/a>\u2019 \u2013 which is clever and apt. The implication is that when you pry open the pill \u2013 Pfizer\u2019s old logo \u2013 the core was always scientific innovation.<\/p>\n
![\"Pfizer](\"https:\/\/www.designmantic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Pfizer-Logo.jpg\" "\\"Pfizer")
\nImage Source: Wikimedia<\/a><\/p>\nAs this logo rebrand came right after Pfizer launched its Covid-19 vaccine (in partnership with BioNTech), you can appreciate that this was not your run of the mill logo change.<\/p>\n
This was much huge. It signaled and represented the shift of Pfizer from a consumer-centric pharmaceutical brand to a science-driven biotechnology company that champions innovation and human well-being.<\/p>\n
The new Pfizer logo<\/a> is a two-toned blue helix that\u2019s endlessly spiraling upwards. It represents the DNA structure as well as the company\u2019s mission to combine scientific innovation with curing and preventing diseases.<\/p>\n
The Rebranding Lesson Here:<\/strong><\/p>\n
If there is a fundamental shift happening in your brand ideology, operation, and alignment, symbolize it with a logo change. The redesign shouldn\u2019t have to be a creative marvel, but it must identify the core change that\u2019s taking place at the company.<\/p>\n
2. Facebook Becomes Meta<\/h3>\n
While (in hindsight) we all saw the Pfizer rebrand coming, nobody expected Meta to materialize from Facebook. It caught the whole world by surprise.<\/p>\n
When Mark Zuckerberg revealed the new company brand<\/a>, he said it was because the name Facebook just cut it anymore. According to him, \u2018Facebook\u2019 doesn\u2019t cover the expansiveness of everything the company was doing or planning to do in the future.<\/p>\n
More specifically, he was referring to the metaverse. Zuckerberg\u2019s dream project of digital experiences where all of us will be able to connect with each other virtually via VR headsets. But since this project is way ahead into the future, it is a bit difficult to understand what this current name and logo change mean.<\/p>\n
However, tackling the logo revamp itself, it\u2019s not too shabby. Considering their past efforts, we know Facebook could have done much worse. In fact, we tried to help them by suggesting some unique colors for the logo<\/a>.<\/p>\n
But Facebook stuck to its signature blue. Ah well. At the least the new logo is somewhat interesting.<\/p>\n
![\"Facebook](\"https:\/\/www.designmantic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Facebook-becomes-Meta-Logo.jpg\" "\\"Facebook")
\nImage Source: Wikimedia<\/a><\/p>\nIt\u2019s an infinity loop and signals constant motion. On one hand, it shows flexibility, movement, and evolution \u2013 change that\u2019s constant. On the other, it\u2019s simple, to-the-point, and captures what the brand was trying to say.<\/p>\n
The only problem is<\/a>, the change that it\u2019s referring to may not happen for many years to come. So, right now, the brand redesign seems a bit empty. It\u2019s nice and pretty but when you scratch the surface, there isn\u2019t much to see.<\/p>\n
Unless it\u2019s a diversion, and the true purpose has always been to distract us from the tons of negative press Facebook was getting due to the leaked internal documents that accuse the company of preferring profits over safety<\/a>?<\/p>\n
Guess, we\u2019ll never know.<\/p>\n
The Rebranding Lesson Here:<\/strong><\/p>\n
If your company policies are problematic, logo rebrands will not save your reputation.<\/p>\n
3. Kia\u2019s Confusing but Very Cool Logo<\/h3>\n
I love Kia\u2019s new logo. It\u2019s the latest in Kia\u2019s rebranding journey to move from fuel-powered cars to electric vehicles. So far, the rebrand has been an absolute success.<\/p>\n
The new logo confidently expresses this internal shift of the company. The design is steely, exciting, and undeniably edgy.<\/p>\n
And I know, if you have followed this rebrand closely, you must have also noticed that the new Kia logo has a fair bit of crinkles.<\/p>\n
First, many people find it confusing<\/a>. Depending on your vantage point, the logo sometimes reads KM, KN, NIN, or something else. Basically, anything other than Kia. Others have come and pointed out how the new logo is somewhat crooked<\/a>, too.<\/p>\n
![\"Kia\u2019s](\"https:\/\/www.designmantic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Kia-Confusing-but-Very-Cool-Logo.jpg\" "\\"Kia\u2019s")
\nImage Source: Motor1<\/a><\/p>\nHere\u2019s my take.<\/p>\n
Yes, there is a bit of visual ambiguity, and ideally it shouldn\u2019t be there. But it isn\u2019t anything that a bit of time and familiarity cannot cure. The more we\u2019ll look at it on beautiful cars around, the more \u2018normal\u2019 it\u2019ll start to seem.<\/p>\n
About crookedness? Again, ideally it should have been handled. However negligible the alignment, it should not be a part of a major brand identity. That said, there is tons of good things happening in the logo that we feel comfortable ignoring these few minor flaws.<\/p>\n
The logo is solid. It\u2019s angular and you can see the movement the company has alluded to in its tagline, \u201cMovement that Inspires\u2019. It\u2019s a single, unbroken line that creates all these angles as it forms the word Kia. The lettering is thick, which again talks of power and strength.<\/p>\n
In a world of automotive logos that are getting increasingly sleeker, this confident display of powerful branding is a highly reassuring.<\/p>\n
The Rebranding Lesson Here:<\/strong><\/p>\n
Always, always, always double-check and proofread. Otherwise, no matter how genius the logo is, the flaws will attract all the attention.<\/p>\n
Related: Top 10 Rebranding Costs of Famous Logos<\/a><\/h3>\n
4. GM\u2019s Too Well-Hidden Plug<\/h3>\n
We all like a meaningful rebrand. And a legacy automotive company shifting to an all-electric future is an exciting reason to rebrand the whole thing.<\/p>\n
But there\u2019s only so much you can ask a logo to do.<\/p>\n
General Motor\u2019s new logo \u2013 a tiny design icon \u2013 is going full throttle in its commitment to reflect the company\u2019s internal shift. From shape to colors, font, accents, and even white space, the new GM logo pulls out all stops to try and achieve its goal.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.designmantic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/GM-Too-Well-Hidden-Plug.jpg\")
\nImage Source: Independent<\/a><\/p>\nThere\u2019s no doubt that the new GM logo is much sleeker, vibrant, and lighter. Definitely more modern and open than its old design.<\/p>\n
The blue gradient around the borders is designed to reflect zero-emissions skies. It\u2019s shiny and clean. The lower-case letters are meant to make the brand look young and fresh. The familiar underline of the old GM logo is there only under the letter \u2018m\u2019. The purpose of this effect is make the negative space within the \u2018m\u2019 resemble an electric plug.<\/p>\n
Has the logo done what it set out to do?<\/p>\n
The colors and fonts certainly make the brand look more modern but I really can\u2019t see the plug, unless I make an effort. But should I? Make the effort, I mean?<\/p>\n
The thing is, a good logo design does not ask the audience to squint, tilt, or move that way to spot a hidden detail. It should be there without being too obvious. Much like the arrow between the E and X of FedEx logo. Once you see it, you can\u2019t believe you never saw it before.<\/p>\n
GM\u2019s new logo fails on that count. On the rest, it scores highly. So, overall, a win for GM.<\/p>\n
The Rebranding Lesson Here:<\/strong><\/p>\n
Don\u2019t hide the Easter eggs too well. You want them to be found, so leave enough clues around.<\/p>\n
5. Burger King\u2019s Retro Rebrand<\/h3>\n
To conclude our discussion on logo revamps on a high note, let\u2019s talk about Burger King.<\/p>\n
A major rebrand of 2021, it was a resounding success<\/a>. To express its vision for the future, the fast food company went back to its roots. From colors to type, icons, photography, sketches, illustration, copy, and even the overall vibe \u2013 everything points to a time when things were simpler, dinner parties were loud, and friends were many.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s basically a call to Millennials to renew their childhood connection to Burger King. And by the looks of it, the call has been received with much enthusiasm and cheer. From industry veterans to general public, everyone likes the new logo and compared to other fast food brands and their bland and flat logos, Burger King\u2019s new visuals are rich and zesty.<\/p>\n
![\"Burger](\"https:\/\/www.designmantic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Burger-Kings-Retro-Rebrand.jpg\" "\\"Burger")
\nImage Source: Pinterest<\/a><\/p>\nThe typeface used is called Flame, and was created specifically for Burger King\u2019s rebrand. The font is gooey, thick, and squishy. Colors are natural and organic. There\u2019s burnt orange and red, colors that make you think of ketchup and mustard. Green for the vegetables, and brown and white wrapping the whole thing up nicely, conforming to the latest color trends according to the CTN News.<\/p>\n
The rebrand is not limited to just the logo only. It was extended to website design, restaurant d\u00e9cor, staff uniforms, marketing assets, and even the paper that goes on to your tray as you order your Burger King meal. This comprehensive and expressive display of the rebrand has given Burger King the much-needed freshening up it needed to stand its ground.<\/p>\n
The Rebranding Lesson Here:<\/strong><\/p>\n
Revisiting your original brand identities is important as it lets you stay authentic when you try to find inspiration for the future.<\/p>\n
Design Tools – Work Smarter, Get Better At Design<\/h2>\n
What are some of the top graphic design tools and programs that have made the most impact on designers this year?<\/p>\n
In this list, you\u2019ll find mostly classic names that have not only stood the test of time with continuous changes and upgrades, but have perfected their original features, which keeps the new competitors at bay.<\/p>\n
Related: Coronavirus Pandemic: Productivity Tips and Tools For Graphic Designers<\/a><\/h3>\n
Don\u2019t worry, though. I\u2019m not going to make the list predictable by including Adobe programs or graphic design software. We all know they work and they are the industry standard. Here, we are talking about some lesser-known but equally strong programs and logo design tools that you can use alongside your favorite Adobe software to boost your skill-stack.<\/p>\n
1. Procreate \u2013 Sketching Tool For iPad<\/h3>\n
![\"Procreate\"](\"https:\/\/www.designmantic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Procreate.jpg\" "\\"Procreate\\"")
<\/p>\nThis is a creative tool that you can use on the go. With hundreds of unique and customizable brushes and other features, you can use Procreate<\/a> to design illustrations, sketches, drawings, animations, and a whole lot other drama. The only drawback: creates raster graphics, so your scaling would be limited.<\/p>\n
Price: $9.99<\/p>\n
2. Affinity Designer \u2013 It\u2019s Adobe Illustrator On Bargain<\/h3>\n
![\"Affinity](\"https:\/\/www.designmantic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Affinity-Designer.jpg\" "\\"Affinity")
<\/p>\nIf you are out looking for a vector graphics editor but cannot afford the hefty price tag of Adobe Illustrator, Affinity Designer<\/a> has got you covered. It has got almost all the same features as the Illustrator plus it\u2019s somewhat easier to use, too. It\u2019s great for beginners, as well expert designers and offers regular updates, add-ons, and unique offers that keep the software recent and fresh.<\/p>\n
Price: $54.99 (Windows and Mac) \u2013 $9.99 (iPad)<\/p>\n
3. Stencil \u2013 Your Drag-And-Drop Graphics Program<\/h3>\n
![\"Stencil\"](\"https:\/\/www.designmantic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Stencil.jpg\" "\\"Stencil\\"")
<\/p>\nSometimes we are looking for some quick and easy fixes to marketing and design problems. When you want some easy-to-use, online graphic design solutions, Stencil<\/a> is where you go. It helps you create images for social media, marketing assets, digital ads, blog headers, and much more. Interface is pretty straightforward with enough personality and features to keep you hooked.<\/p>\n
Price: $9\/month. Free plan available with limited features.<\/p>\n
4. Sketch \u2013 For Your Web, App, and UI Collaboration<\/h3>\n
![\"Sketch\"](\"https:\/\/www.designmantic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Sketch.jpg\" "\\"Sketch\\"")
<\/p>\nIf you’re looking for real-time collaboration on your design work, this is one of the best free survey tools<\/a> on the market. Sketch<\/a> is a vector graphics tool and helps you create powerful icons, interfaces, and app designs with Mac OS functionality.<\/p>\n
Price: $9\/month<\/p>\n
5. Inkscape<\/h3>\n
![\"Inkscape\"](\"https:\/\/www.designmantic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Inkscape.jpg\" "\\"Inkscape\\"")
\nImage Source<\/a><\/p>\nIt\u2019s an open-source design tool that\u2019s powered with the passion and commitment of its creators and community. You can download and use Inkscape<\/a> to create logos, animations, web design, drawings, and illustrations. It\u2019s a vector graphics tool with a bit of learning curve, for sure. But it comes with enough free and rich learning resources that make this software compensate a worthy candidate for this list.<\/p>\n
Price: Free<\/p>\n
More tools to help you improve your productivity:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Fotor<\/a><\/strong> – an online photo editing tool<\/li>\n
- FileStage.io<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 File sharing for review and approval<\/li>\n
- Pixelmator<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 Professional image editing and handcrafted brushes<\/li>\n
- Webflow<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 A quick and easy way to build websites<\/li>\n
- Coolors<\/a><\/strong> – A color scheme generator for graphic designers<\/li>\n
- Colorcinch<\/a><\/strong> – Turn photos into paintings and drawings with a single click.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Create A Logo Design<\/a><\/div>\nLearning Resources – Learn, Grow, and Design<\/h2>\n
Professional graphic design work is much more than just having raw talent. You need guidance and education of the trade to really figure out what it is that you are doing. The more you understand and know about your craft, the better your ideas and execution would be for your clients and their work.<\/p>\n
Related: 50+ Startup Resources To Start Making Money After Covid-19 Pandemic<\/a><\/h3>\n
These resources help you give a leg up in your graphic design journey. Starting from the most fundamental, these resources take you on a quest to understand the most specific facets of professional graphic designing.<\/p>\n
1. Hack Design<\/a>: Online Source to Learn Graphic Design Philosophy and Fundamentals<\/h3>\n
![\"Hack](\"https:\/\/www.designmantic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Hack-Design.jpg\" "\\"Hack")
<\/p>\nIt is a community of passionate designers who curate lessons on different areas of graphic design to make it more accessible and understanding. These curators use blogs, books, videos, games and tutorials to make learning more fun, comprehensive, and interactive. Once you sign in, you are free to choose your teachers to start getting weekly lessons from them delivered right to your inbox.<\/p>\n
2. Udemy<\/a> \u2013 For Self-Paced Graphic Design Education<\/h3>\n
![\"Udemy\"](\"https:\/\/www.designmantic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Udemy.jpg\" "\\"Udemy\\"")
<\/p>\nIf you are looking for a learning environment where you have more control on what you learn and when, Udemy can be a helpful starting point. Here you can subscribe to existing lesson plans and lectures, and figure out your own path to learn graphic design. There are thousands of courses to choose from, with instructors of varying backgrounds, teaching styles, specializations, and achievements. The review system helps you choose your instructors and courses that are more suited to your individual style and needs.<\/p>\n
Other places to look for online courses:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Coursera<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n
- Edx<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n
- SkillShare<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
3. How To<\/a>: An All-Inclusive Design Manual<\/h3>\n
![\"How](\"https:\/\/www.designmantic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/How-To.jpg\" "\\"How")
<\/p>\nUsing real stories from his rich and diverse career as a graphic designer, Michael Beirut teaches about using design to make things happen. The book provides insights into the creative process that goes into creating campaigns and designs for brands and businesses as varied as financial companies, global art, and political campaigns, etc.<\/p>\n
Download Brand Transformation 101 (eBook)<\/a><\/div>\n4. Ebaq Design<\/a>: A Blog for Branding<\/h3>\n
![\"Ebaq](\"https:\/\/www.designmantic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Ebaq-Design.jpg\" "\\"Ebaq")
<\/p>\nBranding is almost a core area of graphic design. In my opinion, almost all graphic design is created to promote a brand: perhaps a company, person, or even an idea. But branding is at the center of it. The Ebaq Design blog helps new and experienced graphic designers alike with tons of expert articles, case studies, op-ed pieces, and trending articles.<\/p>\n
5. YouTube Channel: The Futur<\/a><\/h3>\n
This is the only design channel you need to follow on YouTube. It is filled with great quality content on design mindset, motivation, sales and marketing, negotiations, pricing and such. It helps designers get the latest, most recent knowledge and updates on how the industry is trending and what you need to keep abreast of the advancement. One of its videos \u2018Stop Charging Hourly<\/a>\u2019 is a great tutorial on how you should base your pricing on your project\u2019s value rather than how long it takes you to finish it.<\/p>\n
Interesting YouTube channels to follow:<\/p>\n
- \n
- GraphicMama<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n
- DesignCourse<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n
- Envato Tuts+<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n
- Satori Graphics<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n
- Yes, I am a Designer<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Conclusion<\/h3>\n
2021 has been one of the most active years when it comes to brands using graphic design<\/a> to its fullest potential. We have had some significant rebrands and thanks to the latest tools and learning resources, our knowledge of design is richer than it was a year ago.<\/p>\n
Can you think of a design endeavor that has made the most impact on you since last January? Sound off into the comments below.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
How do you summarize an entire year of logo designing in a single, short, end-of-the-year post? The task is interesting \u2013 you get to revisit all the greatest trends, projects, and techniques that dominated the past 12 months \u2013 but … Continue reading
- DesignCourse<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n
- Edx<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n
- FileStage.io<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 File sharing for review and approval<\/li>\n
- Talk about the best graphic designers of the year<\/a><\/strong> \u2026<\/li>\n